rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/msps-show-courage-and-stand-up-to-the-far-right?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-msps-show-courage-and-stand-up-to-the-far-right' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Women against the Far Right Scotland https://actionnetwork.org/groups/women-against-the-far-right-scotland https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg Dear MSPs, Over the Scottish Parliament’s summer recess period, we have seen: A hijab wearing woman of colour attacked in Glasgow Black and Asian taxi drivers and food delivery workers attacked Racial harassment and intimidation of staff working on the frontline of charities and services Harassment of, and disinformation about, charities and individuals working with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers (as investigated by The Ferret). An Asian man harassed and targeted in a public park whilst playing with his children Doxxing and harassment of women involved in anti-racism campaigning Mosques being attacked Rallies led by the far-right turning violent with missiles and glass bottles thrown at police and counter protestors, whilst doing Nazi salutes. These incidents are just the tip of the iceberg, there are many issues that go unreported and do not garner media attention. We say enough is enough. These incidents have not happened in a vacuum and neither has the rise of the far-right. This has been enabled through years of too many politicians and commentators scapegoating migrants and asylum-seekers for every problem in society. Far-right and neo-Nazi groups have been emboldened, and now feel they have the permission to spread disinformation, hate, and racism. They exploit important issues including violence against women and girls and poverty, weaponising peoples’ fears and anger to spread their hateful ideology. And they are being enabled by some within the Scottish political landscape. As you return to parliament, with the privilege of representing a wide-ranging and diverse set of people across Scotland, you must take on the responsibility of tackling the far-right. You must take responsibility to ensure that you and all in your party do not engage in or enable the spread of disinformation. You must take the standards of public office seriously to be worthy of being an elected politician. We call on all MSPs to: Call out far-right groups and specifically condemn their incitement of violence against migrants, asylum-seekers, Muslims, and people of colour Be clear and strong in your language that these far-right groups are weaponising and exploiting violence against women and girls, and rather than “protectors” their behaviours have made all women less safe. Publicly pledge that any member of their party supporting and/or speaking at far-right rallies or night patrols will be expelled. Publicly pledge to not engage in using dehumanising and incendiary language in relation to migrants, asylum seekers, and communities of colour, which further embolden far-right actors. We call on the Scottish Government to: Launch an emergency response which centres more effective and accountable policing of the far-right with a zero tolerance policy and invests in the safety and security of frontline charities and organisations that are being targeted. Significantly increase investment in violence against women support services and prioritisation of prevention activities to tackle violence against women and girls. Deliver a more meaningful and faster-paced response to tackling poverty through methods such as the implementation of the minimum income guarantee. SIGNED: PLEASE SIGN BY 31ST AUGUST 5PM. Talat Yaqoob, Women Against the Far-Right Scotland Perth Against Racism Dr Pinar Aksu, Human Rights campaigner and researcher International Women's Day Edinburgh Tara Lillis, Chair STUC Women’s Committee Liz McGachey, PCS Scottish Executive Co-Convenor Dr Cecile Menard, UCU Scotland Vice-President https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/msps-show-courage-and-stand-up-to-the-far-right